Recognizing Florida's Law Enforcement

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the bravery and selfless service of the individuals who responded to the building collapse in Surfside, FL, on June 24, 2021.

I want to thank Florida's brave law enforcement community for responding when the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, FL, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the night. They swiftly heeded the call of duty and came rushing in to save lives. In the face of tremendous tragedy, they ran into danger. They are heroes.

Florida's law enforcement officers were on site within minutes of the collapse, and their rapid response saved lives. These brave men and women worked around the clock to support search and rescue efforts and provide protection and comfort to the entire Surfside community. They worked tirelessly, and they never gave up hope.

I would also like to thank the law enforcement chaplains who did everything they could to support the needs of those responding to the collapse and all of the families that were impacted by this tragedy. The chaplains were a source of comfort and ensured that the emotional and religious needs of families and first responders were met.

The chaplains were instrumental in making sure families were constantly updated and that all of their questions were answered in both a timely and efficient manner, to the greatest extent possible. They provided as much transparency and kindness as they could during this unimaginable tragedy. We cannot thank them enough.

Law enforcement teams worked to recover personal property and religious artifacts and followed careful collection protocols. They worked around the clock to ensure all recovered personal property and family heirlooms were treated with the utmost respect and with great consideration for faith traditions when recovering items of religious significance. So many came together, as one, in the relentless pursuit to save lives. We honor the precious lives lost and pay homage to loved ones and all those that have suffered immensely.

Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep Floridians, and this was no exception. We can never thank them and their families enough for their bravery, self-sacrifice, and determination in the face of this terrible tragedy. Ann and I are praying for the Surfside community, our Jewish community, the families and loved ones of the lost, and all of those who worked tirelessly to serve the Surfside community.

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